If the new year has got you inspired to update and improve your salon here are some key elements to consider - along with top practical tips from Katie Howell at Talk Skin Academy.
The treatments you offer are only part of a client’s experience – the surroundings and soft furnishings will stick in their mind too so it’s crucial you’ve got your interiors en pointe.
Making sure you have the right equipment and creating the right atmosphere in your treatment room is becoming more and more important. Clients are savvy and have higher expectations of quality and functionality, plus with competition high, it’s not always a given that they’ll remain loyal to you. It doesn’t matter if you’ve just aced administering their treatment – if they couldn’t relax on the bed or the blankets were too thin (or thick), that’s what they’ll remember long after the products have sunk in. Get it right though, and you could have just guaranteed their repeat business.
“Your treatment room is an extension of your brand and part of the overall client experience,” advises Kate Howell, founder of the Facial Academy (@talkskinacademy). “Soft furnishings can make a room feel more welcoming and less clinical so think about adding curtains, rugs, pillows or throws to create a cozy atmosphere. I’m not a fan of following trends as it can make a space feel less authentic, so focus on creating a room that speaks to your clientele. Your treatment room should not only look and feel good but also support the business’s success by being functional and aligned with your identity.”
Bed time
Investing in the right treatment couch is probably the best thing you can do – after all, that’s where your client will spend the majority of their time in your company. It’s also vital for your wellbeing as you want to be able to perform your treatments in an ergonomic and comfortable environment. Of course, budget will be the dictator but also think about how you want the couch to work for you too. “It’s essential to consider your operational needs,” continues Kate. “Look at your treatment menu and how versatile the bed needs to be. For example, if you offer a variety of treatments – massages, mani’s/pedi’s, facials – a multifunctional bed is beneficial. And assess your space – does the bed need built-in storage for efficiency as some come with storage solutions that can help declutter your treatment room.”
The technologies and innovations in couches are ever-improving and if you had a no holds bar budget you could now invest in beds that have extras such as haptic pulses, infrared, binaural beats and vibro-acoustic technology that helps to relax muscles and boost blood circulation and essentially gives your client two treatments in one, mimicking a body massage while you focus on the face.
There are even dry flotation beds that remain stationary while the water rises in alignment with the guests’ body before immersive sound, chromotherapy and a hydrojet massage kick in. Again, creating a touchless treatment that will instantly fast-track a client’s relaxation and uplevel their experience.
Aside from souped-up extras, other more affordable options now being offered are things like memory foam mattresses, integrated heated blankets and functions that see the massage bed transform seamlessly into stations for foot therapy or manicures to save on space.
Sustainability is another area manufacturers are keen to comply with so sustainable timber and FSC-approved materials, eco-friendly upholstery that’s POP (pollutant) free and beds that have minimal carbon footprints are also on the rise.
Regardless of all the fancy add-ons and technologies though, it’s important not to lose sight of the basic needs of your clients. “It’s so important to select a bed that accommodates all body types. Look for beds that are wider than average – ideally around 28-32 inches to ensure clients of all sizes feel comfortable without feeling restricted. Weight-bearing capacity is equally crucial so aim for a bed that can support up to 500 pounds and that provides comfort and inclusivity for everyone,” says Kate.
Brands she recommends include Affinity and Spa Vision for their high quality, versatile beds that have design, comfort and features that appeal to clients and therapists. There is also REM who recently unveiled an eco-friendly range, Avalon Couches and Bellezi who provide precision-engineered mattresses tested to 300kg (650 pounds).
Cover ups
Duvets, heated throws, weighted blankets – once you’ve chosen your bed, think about how you keep your client cosy. Many beds are now heated but what about what goes on top? “Duvets and throws serve different purposes. A duvet enhances the client’s treatment by adding warmth and comfort while a throw adds to the aesthetic making the room look inviting,” explains Kate. “After years of perfecting bed setups, I’ve found that weighted blankets are a game changer and since introducing them both my clients and students have seen the benefits. The weight provides a sense of security and support that clients love.”
As for heated throws – these aren’t necessary as you can layer up or use duvets and blankets to emulate that warmth but if you do choose to invest in one, ensure they’re PAT tested annually and conduct risk assessments to guarantee they’re safe for use.
Finishing touches
While the bed is no doubt the interior standout your clients will remember, lighting, sound and scent will also add to their experience and if you haven’t already, think about creating or using a signature scent that clients associate with your space. “This not only enhances their experience but also strengthens their connection to your brand. Candles can enhance an ambience significantly, as do diffusers. At the Academy we use both,” says Kate.
Plants, pictures and mirrors (in the right places) can also make a room feel like an extension of home but keep it simple. Especially if your retail offering is in the same space. Too much clutter will overwhelm the room so instead display the products you sell as you would have them in your bathroom and keep the stock and boxes elsewhere. This means the client can envisage the products in their space and it won’t look busy or messy. “Essentially your treatment room should be a space that’s uncluttered, organised and designed to support your success while making your clients feel relaxed, comfortable and at home, but still with an element of indulgence.”
Words by Becci Vallis